Timing Change
On a conventional piston engine — which is found in virtually all modern passenger cars — the up-and-down motion of the pistons turn the crankshaft, and the crankshaft turns the camshaft, which opens the valves at the proper time. What typically connects the crankshaft to the camshaft is either a cogged timing belt riding on pulleys or a timing chain riding on sprockets. Both setups look somewhat like a bicycle’s chain and sprockets.
If the timing belt or timing chain fails, the engine stops running immediately, potentially resulting in expensive internal engine damage.
Though it’s certainly a matter of opinion that’s based largely on your priorities, it’s generally felt that timing chains are better than timing belts. While most timing belts are supposed to be replaced every 60,000 to 120,000 miles, many timing chains end up lasting the life of the car. That can be significant because replacing a timing belt is a fairly complicated job that can easily cost $500 to $1,000.
Time is a gift from God. It must be used wisely, circumspectly. And what's more, it must be in sync with the engine that drives us — God!
If we are out of sync with God's will and purposes, like a vehicle in disrepair, we'll just end up lurching and sputtering down the road. When we are out of rythmn — out of timing — with God's will and purposes, our lives will get pretty bumpy and ineffectual.
Each day presents us with the opportunity for a timing change of our hearts, getting us in sync with God's will and purposes for our days, for our lives. Consider it daily maintenance which will keep us in rythmn with the heart of God.
To do otherwise could potentially be spiritually quite costly.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV).
"Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16, ESV).
Missed It By 'That' Much
Different directional compasses bear different markings. Some compasses are marked off to display a full 360 degrees, and some are marked in gradations of 20 degrees. Some also display a "declination." The declination is a means of showing the difference between magnetic north and true north.
Have you ever been on a cruise ship out in the middle of the ocean and wondered how in the world the captain and crew knew which way to go? We know they use, among many navigational tools, a compass, but how does it work?
If you've ever looked at a compass, you know that there are hundreds of little hash marks — 360 to be exact — that mark off each separate degree of direction.
When a captain sets course, they know exactly to which little degree mark they need to set the compass. As long as they stay on that course, they will reach their destination.
But what would happen if someone moved the compass one little tiny degree to the left? At first it would look like you were still going in the same direction, on course for your destination. But in reality, as the vessel proceeded en route, the ship would be moving ever so slightly 1° away from the original course.
Before you know it, that ship would be miles away from its planned destination, all because it was one little tiny degree off course.
It is the same way in our spiritual experience ...
We set the course for our life, our day, our relationships, our work experience, etc., with the intention of focusing on Jesus, but we are fighting an enemy who wants to get us off course.
Of course our enemy — ol' Beezlebub — knows we won't likely make a 180° turn away from God, or even a 45° move away from Him. But if he can get us to compromise just one little degree, all he need do is just be patient.
While we think we are right on course, slowly but surely, we drift, until one day we wake up and wonder how in the world we got so far from the Lord's will for our lives.
We are wise to keep checking the compass. Keep charting our course in alignment with His will and His word.
Psalms 119:1-8 (MSG):
1 You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.
2 You're blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.
3 That's right - you don't go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set.
4 You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it.
5 Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set;
6 Then I'd never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel.
7 I thank you for speaking straight from your heart; I learn the pattern of your righteous ways.
8 I'm going to do what you tell me to do; don't ever walk off and leave me.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Rumors of Misused Funds for Ukraine
There are rumors that are Ukrainian funds that were sent by America have been misused and given to enemy soldiers. Celeste Wallander who is the assistant secretary of defense for International security affairs said, "The US government has not seen credible evidence of any diversion of US-provided weapons outside of Ukraine."
Though not yet credible, there is still doubt and fear that we are supplying the enemy.
We need not fear anything that we do in faith and wisdom for God and His kingdom will be used or appropriated by the enemy. Any word that we spread for Christ, any funds we commit to God's service, anything that we do for His glory will always be recognized by God. Though Satan might try to commandeer our efforts, to God alone belongs the victory!
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:20, NIV).
"For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, 11so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it" (Isaiah 55:10-11, NIV).